kuya blog

Guides, tax tips, and stories for Filipino freelancers.

Do Filipino Freelancers Pay US Taxes? W-8BEN Explained (2026)

Filipino freelancer working with US clients? Find out if you legally owe US income tax, what the W-8BEN actually does, and why most Filipino freelancers pay zero US tax — but still owe BIR.

W-8BEN Taxes US Clients

What Filipino Freelancers Can Deduct from BIR: Complete Guide to Business Expenses (2026)

Filipino freelancers on graduated BIR rates: OSD vs itemized deductions, equipment depreciation, subcontractor fees, what qualifies and what does not. 2026 guide.

BIR Taxes Freelancing

Health Insurance for Filipino Freelancers: HMO, PhilHealth & SSS Guide

Lost your corporate HMO? Here's how Filipino freelancers can get HMO, PhilHealth, and SSS coverage on their own — step by step with 2026 rates.

Freelancing Health Insurance Philippines

W-8BEN mistakes Filipino freelancers should avoid

Avoid 30% US tax withholding by fixing these common W-8BEN mistakes Filipino freelancers make with US clients and platforms.

W-8BEN Taxes US Clients

How to Set Your Rate as a Filipino Freelancer Working with US Clients

A practical guide for Filipino freelancers on setting rates for US clients. How to calculate your hourly rate, research market pricing, and confidently charge what you're worth.

Pricing US Clients Freelancing

How to Register as a Freelancer with BIR (2026 Guide)

Step-by-step BIR registration guide for Filipino freelancers. Form 1901, COR, books of accounts, receipts, RDO selection, and everything you need to go legit with the BIR.

BIR Taxes Freelancing

How to Find Your First US Client (Without Upwork)

A practical guide for Filipino freelancers on landing your first US client without Upwork. LinkedIn outreach, cold email, OnlineJobs.ph, portfolio building, and referral loops.

Getting Clients US Clients Freelancing

PayPal vs Wise vs Payoneer vs US Bank Account: Which Is Best for Filipino Freelancers?

Compare PayPal, Wise, Payoneer, and US bank accounts for Filipino freelancers. Fees, speed, FX rates, and which one to use depending on your income level and client type.

Getting Paid US Clients Comparison

How to Open a US Bank Account as a Filipino Freelancer

Complete guide to opening a US bank account from the Philippines as a freelancer. Mercury, Wise, Payoneer, and real bank accounts — what works, what doesn't, and how to get paid faster.

US Banking Getting Paid Freelancing

How to Compute Your Quarterly BIR Tax as a Filipino Freelancer

Step-by-step guide to computing your quarterly BIR tax as a Filipino freelancer. Real examples with USD income, PHP conversion, 8% flat rate, and filing walkthrough.

BIR Taxes Freelancing

Client Contracts for US Clients: A Filipino Freelancer's Guide

Complete guide to client contracts for Filipino freelancers working with US clients. Scope of work, payment terms, NDAs, governing law, and what every contract needs to protect you.

Contracts US Clients Legal

Common Freelancer Scams and How to Spot Them

The 5 most common scams targeting Filipino freelancers — fake clients, overpayment scams, phishing, and how to spot them before you lose money or work.

Scams Safety Freelancing

How to Invoice US Clients as a Filipino Freelancer

Complete guide to invoicing US clients as a Filipino freelancer. Payment terms, currency, what to include, common mistakes, and how to get paid faster.

Invoicing US Clients Getting Paid

BIR Requirements for Filipino Freelancers: Complete Tax Guide (2026)

Complete guide to BIR tax requirements for Filipino freelancers working with US clients. 8% vs graduated rates, filing deadlines, penalties, and how to register.

BIR Taxes Philippines

How to Fill Out W-8BEN as a Filipino Freelancer

Step-by-step guide to filling out IRS Form W-8BEN for Filipino freelancers working with US clients. Avoid 30% withholding tax, get it right the first time.

W-8BEN Taxes US Clients